Basketball: High-scoring Houston Christian set for SPC debut

Published 1:50 pm, Monday, December 31, 2012

Houston Christian center Connor Kelley has been solid in the paint for the Mustangs this season.

Houston Christian center Connor Kelley has been solid in the paint for the Mustangs this season.

Photo: Eddy Matchette, Freelance

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Houston Christian's Jalen Weber has shown speed to burn while leading the Mustangs' fast break.

Houston Christian's Jalen Weber has shown speed to burn while leading the Mustangs' fast break.

Photo: Eddy Matchette, Freelance

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Houston Christian visited The Village School for a basketball game, 11-27-12. The Village School won the game, 72-62.
Houston Christian varsity basketball coach Ron Crandall.

Houston Christian visited The Village School for a basketball game, 11-27-12. The Village School won the game, 72-62.
Houston Christian varsity basketball coach Ron Crandall.

Photo: Eddy Matchette, Freelance

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Houston Christian visited The Village School for a basketball game, 11-27-12. The Village School won the game, 72-62.
Houston Christians' Jalen Weber (12) brings the ball down court to start the fast break.

Houston Christian visited The Village School for a basketball game, 11-27-12. The Village School won the game, 72-62.
Houston Christians' Jalen Weber (12) brings the ball down court to start the fast break.

Photo: Eddy Matchette, Freelance

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Houston Christian visited The Village School for a basketball game, 11-27-12. The Village School won the game, 72-62.
Houston Christian forward John Clarke (3) shot a jump shot from beyond the three point line. less

Houston Christian visited The Village School for a basketball game, 11-27-12. The Village School won the game, 72-62.
Houston Christian forward John Clarke (3) shot a jump shot from beyond the three point ... more

Photo: Eddy Matchette, Freelance

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Houston Christian visited The Village School for a basketball game, 11-27-12. The Village School won the game, 72-62.
Houston Christian post player Ashi Peters (55) scored two points on this layup.

Houston Christian visited The Village School for a basketball game, 11-27-12. The Village School won the game, 72-62.
Houston Christian post player Ashi Peters (55) scored two points on this layup.

Photo: Eddy Matchette, Freelance

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Houston Christian visited The Village School for a basketball game, 11-27-12. The Village School won the game, 72-62.
Houston Christian forward Preston Drake gets ready to shoot a layup as The Village's Dylan Jones (13) closes in. less

Houston Christian visited The Village School for a basketball game, 11-27-12. The Village School won the game, 72-62.
Houston Christian forward Preston Drake gets ready to shoot a layup as The Village's Dylan ... more

Photo: Eddy Matchette, Freelance

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Houston Christian visited The Village School for a basketball game, 11-27-12. The Village School won the game, 72-62.
Houston Christian guard Ryan Leiss (1) took this short jump shot.

Houston Christian visited The Village School for a basketball game, 11-27-12. The Village School won the game, 72-62.
Houston Christian guard Ryan Leiss (1) took this short jump shot.

Photo: Eddy Matchette, Freelance

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Houston Christian visited The Village School for a basketball game, 11-27-12. The Village School won the game, 72-62.
Houston Christian post player Connor Kelley (32) rose above every one else to score on this layup. less

Houston Christian visited The Village School for a basketball game, 11-27-12. The Village School won the game, 72-62.
Houston Christian post player Connor Kelley (32) rose above every one else to score on this ... more

Photo: Eddy Matchette, Freelance

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Houston Christian visited The Village School for a basketball game, 11-27-12. The Village School won the game, 72-62.
Left, Houston Christian post player Ashi Peters (55) scored after beating the defense of The Village's Edwardo Cantu (21). less

Houston Christian visited The Village School for a basketball game, 11-27-12. The Village School won the game, 72-62.
Left, Houston Christian post player Ashi Peters (55) scored after beating the defense of ... more

Photo: Eddy Matchette, Freelance

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Basketball: High-scoring Houston Christian set for SPC debut

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The Houston Christian boys basketball team may be young, but the Mustangs haven't scaled back their expectations during their debut season in the Southwest Preparatory Conference.

Houston Christian head coach Ron Crandall has an exciting squad that should challenge two-time defending SPC champion St. John's, Episcopal, Kinkaid and the rest of the South Zone.

"The South Zone is comparable to a lot of Class 5A (public school) districts in the state, in terms of overall talent and the level of competition," Crandall said. "Everyone knows how good St. John's, Episcopal and Kinkaid are, but John Cooper is really underrated.

"Every team in the South Zone is solid. If you finish in the top four in this division, you have a chance to compete for the SPC championship."

Don't count out the Mustangs, who took a 14-5 record into the holiday break. Houston Christian has played extremely well, claiming the consolation title at the San Antonio Christian Tournament and placing third at its own Mustang Classic.

Houston Christian is averaging 75 points per game and set a school record in a 105-54 victory over San Antonio Southside. Meanwhile, freshman guard Justin McCormack drilled a record nine 3-pointers in a 74-44 rout against Austin St. Stephen's in the Mustangs' South Zone opener.

"We've been able to run the floor well and it's been sparked by our defense," Crandall said.

Although Houston Christian returns four starters off a team that went 26-10 in its final season in TAPPS District 3-5A, the Mustangs are still relatively young.

"People forget that we started three sophomores and a junior last year," Crandall said. "We also have four freshmen on this year's team who are getting substantial minutes. They continue to improve."

"Jalen is a solid point guard. He can shoot, rebound and plays exceptional defense," Crandall said. "He's already learned a lot and is well ahead of schedule."

Preston Drake, a 6-0 junior, and John Clarke, a 6-1 junior, have joined Weber in the backcourt. Drake and Clarke averaged six and five points, respectively.

"Preston has a great shooting touch from the outside," Crandall said. "We bring John off the bench, but he usually gets things going."

Starting at the wing is 6-2 Ryan Leiss, the lone senior among the starting five. Leiss is contributing 7.5 points and three assists, although Crandall feels his numbers could be considerably higher.

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Houston Christian file

Young and talented: The Houston Christian boys basketball team starts only one senior, but the Mustangs should be a factor in their first season in the Southwest Preparatory Conference. Houston Christian took a 14-5 record into the holiday break.

Setting records: The Mustangs have been scoring plenty of points, setting a school record in a 105-54 victory over San Antonio Southside in the San Antonio Christian Tournament. Meanwhile, freshman guard Justin McCormack set another record by hitting nine 3-pointers in a 74-44 win over Austin St. Stephen's in the South Zone opener.

"Ryan sacrifices some shots for the good of the team. He is so unselfish," Crandall said. "Ryan worked his butt off during the spring and summer and it's paying off for him now. I love this work ethic. He shows the other guys how it's done."

"Ashi got off to a slow start, but he's been on fire lately," Crandall said. "Connor's been on the varsity for three years and he's improved every season. He's really attacking the basket and playing with more authority."

Adding depth are 5-9 junior Troy Everist at guard and 6-2 freshman Zack Bowman, 5-11 senior Adam Dole, 6-4 junior Brian Peyton and 6-4 senior Matt Yochum at forward. Junior Dexter Robinson, a 6-5 forward, is out with a shoulder injury but should help the team upon his return.

Crandall believes Houston Christian has the potential to reach the SPC's upper division and battle for the SPC crown.

"It's our first year in the SPC, but we're not just happy to be here," Crandall said. "We expect to compete for the championship."